Support In Our City
This list is not exhaustive, Voice4Parents welcome any additional information that we can share please send it to us at admin@voice4parents.co.uk
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Voice4Parents
www.voice4parents-wolves.co.uk
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Voice4Parents is a group of parents and carers whose children have a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND. We have a core steering group who work in coproduction (parents and carers working as equal partners) with the local authority, education, health and care partners to shape and deliver services for families.
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They do this by seeking the views of parents and carers to find out what is working well and where improvements can be made. Common issues are shared with service planners and providers at the strategic meetings that Voice4Parents attend. They help to pin point problems that are frequently experienced by families. This knowledge is useful to professionals and helps everyone to come to an agreement on how services are delivered so they better meet the needs of children, young people and their families.
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Voice4Parents offer regular coffee mornings, Autism Café and occasional Leisure Activities as advertised on their website page and facebook page. Once you are a member all information is also shared via email.
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Don’t forget to follow Voice4Parents on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Voice4Parents-wolverhampton
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Time To Connect – Autism Café
A supportive Meet and Greet Session run by Voice4parents in conjunction with Dudley Voice for Choice and funded by NHS Black Country Services. This is a monthly session that provides opportunity for families, Children and Young People to meet up socially. Details can be found on the V4PP webpage and Newsletters
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Wolverhampton Local Offer
https://win.wolverhampton.gov.uk/kb5/wolverhampton/directory/localoffer.page?localofferchannel=0
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Local authorities must publish a Local Offer, setting out in one place information about provision they expect to be available across education, health and social care for children and young people in their area who have SEN or are disabled, including those who do not have Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans
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Carers Support Team
https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/carer-support
The role supports informal carers across the city. Parents/informal carers are entitled to a carers conversation which involves a chat about the caring role and looks to offer information, advice and guidance and explore any services that may be available to access for the carer and for the child/young person and their siblings. This can include carer discounts, places to go, specialist activities; access to the short breaks caravan and carers emergency cards. Carers emergency cards are available to any carer that has had a carers conversation and would like one. The scheme has been set up to offer reassurance and a contingency plan if you were involved in an accident or emergency and were unable to say that someone is dependent on you. It also offers carer discounts around the city. The carer support officer can offer benefits advice to ensure that carers and their families are receiving the financial support that they are entitled to.
This team can also be contacted for Young Carers Assistance and Help.
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If you would like any further information or would like to contact on 01902 553409 or email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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Wolverhampton Information Advice and Support Service (IASS)
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IASS is a statutory and confidential service working with parents, carers, children and young people. It offers free and impartial information, advice and support on matters relating to a child or young person‛s special educational needs or disability from birth to 25 years.
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You can contact the service through social media, email ias.service@wolverhampton.gov.uk or call 01902 556945.
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Wolverhampton Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us
Citizens Advice are an independent charity and a member of the Citizens Advice national network. They provide information, advice, guidance and specialist casework to the people of Wolverhampton from several locations across the city. They also deliver certain housing advice and Pension Wise services in the Black Country.
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For general advice enquiries phone Adviceline: 0344 411 1444
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm
Freephone 0800 144 8848 (England Only)
Textphone 18001 0800 144 8884
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Or email: emailadvicecadudleyandwolverhampton@dudleycabx.org and they will email you back within 3 working days.
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Educational Psychology Service – Consultation Service for Parents
http://www.educationalpsychologywolverhampton.co.uk/
The Educational Psychology service is a consultation service giving parents the opportunity to talk with a psychologist over the telephone to find solutions to issues that are concerning them, with regards to their child’s learning, behaviour, relationships or emotional wellbeing. Contact – 01902 550609 or email inclusionsupportadmin@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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ChatHealth
Chathealth is an NHS text messaging service for young people, 11-19 years old direct to their mobile phone, across Wolverhampton. They can text a school nurse on 07507 332 631 to get confidential advice and support for a range of health and wellbeing issues, including: anxiety, emotions and anger; bullying; family issues and friendships; sexual health and contraception; smoking, alcohol and drugs; sleep and staying healthy.
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ChatHealth is available 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) during term time and is available 10am to 4pm, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays (excluding banks holidays) during school holidays.
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The Gem Centre
https://www.nhs.uk/services/clinic/the-gem-centre/RL4CA
Neachells Lane, Wolverhampton WV11 3PG 01902 446 270
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Children’s and adolescent services all under one roof including Special Needs Early Years Service (SNEYS), Audiology, Children’s Community Nursing Service, Community Paediatrics; Health Visitor Service, Children’s Therapy Services (Occupational and Physiotherapy Services); Orthotics; Speech and Language Therapy Service and CAMHS.
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Healthwatch Wolverhampton
www.healthwatchwolverhampton.co.uk
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Healthwatch is the independent consumer champion created to gather and represent the views of the public. Healthwatch plays a role at both a national and local level and will make sure that the views of the public and people who use health and social care services are taken into account. They will listen to your views, concerns and suggestions about services and use that information to help shape and improve them, and can provide information to help you make choices about the services you use and get the answers you need. Healthwatch Wolverhampton will seek out people to discuss their local health and social care services, use what they say to help decision makers improve the quality of local services, reflect the diversity of Wolverhampton’s population, including children and young people, build on any example of good work that is being achieved, work in partnership with services – not in opposition and be represented on the Health and Wellbeing Board and ensure progress is achieved.
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ACCI – The African American Community Initiative
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Provide a culturally safe service that meets the needs of the African and Caribbean communities and their families affected by Mental Ill Health.
Contact 01902 571230 or email support@acci.gov.uk
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Changing Our Lives
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Changing Our Lives is a rights-based organisation, so human rights underpin everything that they do. They work alongside disabled people and people experiencing mental health difficulties, of all ages, as equal partners to find solutions to social injustice and health inequality.
Changing Our Lives work with disabled people and people with lived experience of mental health difficulties of all ages. Whilst all of the individuals they work with experience multiple disadvantages and discrimination, some of their projects specifically target the following groups with the following labels: People with the label of profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD); People with the label of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME); People who find themselves stripped of the most basic human rights (for example, hospital inpatients)
Contact details – 0300 3020770
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Connexions
www.wolvesworkbox.com/learner/connexions/index.html
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Connexions can provide your child or young person with expert careers guidance and support. They can get careers advice, information and practical support to get into education, training, jobs and apprenticeships. If your child is still at school or college they can ask their Careers Teacher or Student Services department to arrange an interview for them. If your young person has left school or college and are living in Wolverhampton they can drop-in to see a Connexions Personal Advisor at Wolverhampton Civic Centre every Wednesday and Friday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. (Ask for Connexions at the main reception desk)
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To contact Connexions or make an appointment with a Personal Advisor call 01902 554499 or email connexions@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
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Parent Carer Support Group Walsall, Wolverhampton and Surrounding Areas
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They are a constituted voluntary parent led group, fully insured, and offer the following; Peer support online meetings; physical peer support meetings; weekly webinars; Outreach activities; lockdown activities; sensory play activities; online members area; Peer support online; befriending service; food parcel service; training and youth activities.
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WOLVES 0-19 SERVICE
www.Royalwolverhampton.nhs.uk/our-services/0-19-service/0-19-service.html
Provides services including Health Visiting, School Nursing and the Partnering Families Team. Main Aims are health promotion; health protection; prevention of ill health and accidents and early intervention. Services are provided by qualified Health Visitors, School Nurses and Midwives.
Referrals are accepted from anyone by contacting on 01902 441057
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Tettenhall Wood School Coffee Mornings
https://www.tettenhallwood.aatrust.co.uk/
The coffee mornings are led by the school’s Family Liaison Officer, at Tettenhall Wood School. This is an opportunity for parents/carers of children and young people with autism to meet.
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For further information email mhaywood@aatrust.co.uk or enquiriestws@aatrust.co.uk
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Radar Key
email: Customer.Services@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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Radar Keys offer disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme (NKS) locks can be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafés, department stores, bus and train stations and many other locations.
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There are many accessible toilets in the Wolverhampton, many of them are controlled with a key that is operated under the RADAR
Contact number – 01902 551199
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Blue Badge Scheme
www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/parking-and-roads/blue-badge-scheme
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To qualify for a Blue Badge, you must have a permanent and significant disability. It is not for temporary disabilities or conditions. To find out the criteria for being issued a blue badge head to the website. Contact number – 01902 551155 option 5.
email bluebadgeteam@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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Contact
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Contact support families with the best possible guidance and information. They bring families together in local groups and online, to support each other by sharing experiences and advice. And they help families to campaign, volunteer, fundraise and shape local services to improve life for themselves and others.
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The Contact website provides advice and information about any concern you might have about raising a child with additional needs or a disability. If you can't find what you need on their website, you can call their free helpline on 0808 808 3555 between 9.30am-5pm Monday to Friday or email helpline@contact.org.uk
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Contact’s Listening Ear service is for parent carers looking for emotional support, practical advice and ideas and strategies to cope with the daily challenges you face - especially now, during the pandemic. It's a free and totally confidential telephone call-back service to talk through anything worrying you with one of our friendly, non-judgemental family support workers, some of whom have a child with additional needs themselves and so understand exactly where you are coming from. You will need to go onto their website to book a slot for this service.
Council for Disabled Children
www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk
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The Council for Disabled Children is the umbrella body for the disabled children's sector bringing together professionals, practitioners and policy-makers. They provide a collective voice that champions the rights of children, young people and their families and challenges barriers to inclusion. They believe that every child and young person should enjoy the same rights and opportunities and that every aspect of society should be fully inclusive to disabled children and young people. They have an online library of resources that parents can access to find out more about disability policy and practice and includes a selection of materials specifically written with parents in mind.
IPSEA
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Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity operating in England. IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They also provide training on the SEND legal framework to parents and carers, professionals and other organisations.
By law, children with SEND are entitled to educational support that meets their individual needs. Since IPSEA was formed in 1983, they have helped to improve educational support for thousands of children with all kinds of SEND, by providing free and independent legally-based information, advice and casework support.
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Disability Rights UK
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Disability Rights UK is the leading charity of its kind in the UK, run by and for people with lived experience of disability or health conditions. Their resources meet the hugely increased need for free, independent, up-to-date information and represent disabled people’s rights in the face of huge challenges to their well-being and ability to live independently. They offer advice and information on independent living, and career opportunities, as well as training on disability rights and welfare benefits.
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Embrace Autism
https://www.facebook.com/groups/810408342728988/?ref=share_group_link
Coffee mornings for parent carers of Children and Young People agued up to 18 with a diagnosis of Autism. Group meets at a venue located at the Special Needs Early Years’ Service Base at Warstones Primary School. Meetings take place once every half term, however due to COVID 19 are currently online and monthly. Visitors from supporting professionals are welcomed to join for a section of most meetings by prior arrangement. Parents /Carers from this group are frequently involved in coproducing information for parents/carers.
Contact Debra.Baker@wolverhampton.gov.uk Tel: 01902 558406
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Family Fund
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Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Their purpose is to improve the lives of low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people by providing items and services to all low-income families in the UK raising disabled or seriously ill children, that they could not otherwise afford or access, and that help improve their quality of life, realise their rights, and remove some of the barriers they face.
Family Fund provide grants for a wide range of items, such as washing machines, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, tablets, furniture, outdoor play equipment, clothing and computers. It can be a struggle financially, emotionally and physically for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, and these grants help break down many of the barriers families face, improving their quality of life and easing the additional daily pressures.
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There is an eligibility criteria which can be found on their website. You must meet all Family Fund eligibility criteria in order to be considered for a grant.
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Fledglings
Fledglings is part of the national charity, Contact they are a non-profit shop that helps families with disabled children by supplying products and equipment that help with everyday challenges. Fledglings provide an easy and trusted environment to find the right solutions and allow families to connect and share their experiences.
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Family action – Helping hands
helpinghandsbc@family-action.org.uk
A befriending service for parents of children with additional needs with a focus on Autism/ADHD.
Sharing rooms, take place once a month at CAMHS (befriending/signposting) - This is where the families are invited to come along and meet other parents, in a relaxed and calming environment. Parents can learn about other services and support networks that they can access. We have a mindfulness table, with relaxation techniques, colouring sheets and crocheting. Information table that have books and leaflets about AUTISM/ADHD and fidget aids that can support relaxation for adults and children.
Virtual “This Is Me” (TIM) programme for parents and carers(also delivered in Walsall)
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Virtual TIM programme for parents and carers
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TIM sessions with children in Primary Schools
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Sensory sessions during school holidays
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Closed Facebook page for parents to get advice and support
(TIM is 6 virtual workshops over 3 weeks)
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Listening Books
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Listening Books provides a postal and internet-based audiobook service to over 100,000 members in the UK who have a disability or illness that impacts their ability to read printed words. The service is quick and easy to use and opens up the wonderful world of books for people with an illness or condition that affects their reading ability. This could be a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, a mental health condition like anxiety, a visual impairment, or a physical condition that makes it more difficult to hold a book, such as arthritis. They have a huge range of fiction and non-fiction titles for both adults and children, and support school age children from age 7 upwards. Listening to audiobooks allows children and young people to listen to the same books their friends are reading, helping to instil a greater understanding and enjoyment of literature. For adult members, listening to audiobooks can not only provide hours of entertainment, but they can also be a welcome distraction from loneliness or a health condition.
WOLVERHAMPTON OUTREACH SERVICE
https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/education-and-schools/wolverhampton-outreach-service
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The Wolverhampton Outreach Service offers support to mainstream practitioners to enable them to more confidently meet the needs of children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) and also offer Parent Carer workshops
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Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions
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Kidz to Adultz exhibitions are organised by Disabled Living. They run FREE UK exhibitions totally dedicated to children and young adults up to 25 years with disabilities and additional needs, their parents, carers and all the professionals who support and work with them.
Newlife
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Newlife provide equipment families need, usually equipment that has often been refused by the statutory services or the delays in provision mean that the child will suffer unnecessarily. Newlife runs the only fast track equipment services in the UK helping those children in urgent need.
Telephone contact for the charity is 01543 562777
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Caudwell Children
www.caudwellchildren.com
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Caudwell Children transform the lives of disabled children across the UK. They act as a safety net for families who are unable to gain the help they need. They offer practical and emotional support through compassionate and efficient services including autism services, providing support with specialist equipment and services, sensory pack and the warm homes scheme.
Caudwell Children provide Autism services via child-centred multidisciplinary clinical assessments alongside practical and emotional support services so that children and their families can learn to understand their unique and individual profiles; helping to manage the areas of daily life they find difficult and celebrate their strengths.
Criteria for Autism Assessment via Caudwell Children:
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Child must be aged 4-11
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Must be referred by a professional
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Charity funding for families with a household income below £45,000 excluding benefits
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Must not have had a previous ASC Assessment
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Caudwell also provide sensory kits for families on application for a contribution of £22 towards the value of the kit.
Telephone contact for Caudwell Children is 03453001348 or email familyservices@caudwellchildren.com
Caudwell Children run a free Digital Skills Training programme for young people with autism, living in the West Midlands. For further information head to www.caudwellchildren.com/digital-skills
The National Autistic Society (NAS)
www.autism.org.uk/
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The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families. They provide support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people
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Autism West Midlands
www.autisumwestmidlands.org.uk
Autism West Midlands are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people on the autism spectrum, enriching the lives of autistic people and those who love and care for them. Their staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support. They support autistic people to live as independently as possible, in residential care, or in their own or the family home, provide a free autism information helpline offering a first point of contact for families and individuals in crisis, provide advice and support sessions families and carers of children on the autistic spectrum, enable adults to access support within their local community to build resilience, confidence, and skills to actively participate in society and offer training to parents, professionals and individuals.
Resources for Autism
www.resourcesforautism.org.uk
Resources for Autism is a registered charity. They provide practical services for children and adults with a diagnosis of autism and for those who love and care for them, including holiday play schemes and youth clubs.
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Autism Education Trust (AET)
www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk
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AET provides videos and information for parents about receiving and understanding a diagnosis. It also provides a parent’s guide, which includes, working together with your child’s school – an AET autism standards guide for parents and carers. A parents and carers’ guide to finding a school for your child with autism. Children and families act information; AET information for schools; parent survey summary. and PANTS autism for parents.
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Autistic Girls Network
https://www.facebook.com/groups/198220980748417/
Autistic Girls Network is a registered charity working to support, educate, and bring change.
Their mission is two-fold. To campaign for better recognition and diagnosis of autistic girls and to support them in finding their identity and feeling understood.
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We can sign post you to support networks, organisations and resources and provide a safe space to ask questions, raise concerns and share experiences in our private Facebook group.
On the website you will find a resource section with links to useful resources, YouTube videos, books, Apps etc.
Contact Email: hello@autisticgirlsnetwork.org
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Autism Inclusivity
https://www.facebook.com/groups/autisminclusivity/about
Facebook group that offers support to all but it has very specific rules including on dietary or medical advice or natural remedies. It is extremely anti-ABA and appears to be mostly USA based where ABA seems to generally be the only option. It may feel quite biased to some families. No vaccine related posts. No ABA, autism speaks or Martyr Parent Mentality. No images of meltdowns/nudities or injuries. No puzzle pieces please. No fund raising, promotion or spam. No Tone policing. No bringing drama from other groups. Reporting problematic posts and comments. Dirty deletes will get you banned from the group – they want all comments to remain even if there is negative feedback as it silences voices
Resources for Autism – Play and Youth clubs
https://resourcesforautism.org.uk/play-and-youth-clubs/
Specialist play and youth clubs
One to one support is available and all staff are autism trained.
Support can be given to enable young people to make the transition from home to clubs through home visits, social stories, visual supports in fact anything that might help. We do not provide transport to and from clubs but will help negotiate with local social services for help with this where appropriate. Clubs are run at weekends and after school in various venues. They are age and ability specific and once your referral is received your child will be assessed as to which club would best suit their needs. There is likely to be a waiting list for clubs.
There is a small charge which is means tested and no one is turned away for financial reasons but everyone pays at least something.
PDA Society
The Pathological Demand Avoidance Society provides information, support and training for people living and working with PDA.
BIBIC
BIBIC is a national charity and exists to maximise the potential of children and young people with conditions affecting their social communication, sensory, motor and learning abilities. They offer therapy programmes for every child and family to help children and young people manage their difficulties, to cope better in the world around them. To help parents and carers understand their child’s behaviour and needs, and to help teachers support struggling children emotionally and educationally. They see children and young people age 6 months to 25 years old with or without a diagnosis, experiencing a variety of difficulties and symptoms.
And support developmental difficulties, learning disabilities, special educational needs (SEN) and genetic conditions. As well as helping many children and young people with Autism, Brain injury, Cerebral palsy, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Global developmental delay (GDD), Dyslexia, Down’s syndrome, Sensory processing difficulties and many more.
BIBIC empower desperate parents and carers with the support and strategies they need to improve not only their child’s life, but their family’s too. Helping children and young people understand their condition better and live more independent lives.
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Social prescribing for CYP
Wolverhampton Voluntary & Community Action
#A non-medical approach to improving your health and wellbeing. It can help you to have more control over your own health and find ways to improve how you feel in a way that suits you. Social prescribing is for:
Young People who may feel isolated & want support to meet other people.
Young People who may feel low or a bit anxious and might feel better joining a social group.
Young People who may have a long-term chronic health condition which would be helped through community activities
Young People who may need help to find support or advice with practical issues such as money or housing
Young People who may want help and support with their wellbeing and education.
Contact: Telephone 01902 328987 or E-mail SPInfo@wolverhamptonvsc.org.uk
MENCAP
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Mencap is the leading voice of learning disability. Everything they do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers. The services they provide range from round-the-clock care to helping someone join in with local leisure activities, providing advice and information on things like employment and education, helping someone to live independently for the first time, and even things like reporting a crime to the police. In a nutshell, MENCAP try to help in any area of a person’s life where they need support.
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National Deaf Children’s Society
www.ndcs.org.uk
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The National Deaf Children’s Society is the leading charity for deaf children and there for every deaf child who needs them – no matter what their level or type of deafness or how they communicate.
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The National Deaf Children’s Society run events and workshops and have a new online forum as well as a resource hub with information and one to one support and tailored services which help reduce barriers for deaf children. They also provide a service where you can borrow technology and devices which support deaf children’s communication and independence.
Afasic
www.afasic.org.uk
Afasic is a parent-led organisation to help children and young people with speech and language impairments and their families. Providing information and training for parents – and professionals – and producing a range of publications. Members meet in local groups in many areas of the UK. Afasic seeks to raise awareness and to create better services and provision for children and young people with speech and language impairments and communication needs.. It works in partnership with local and national government, professional and statutory bodies and other voluntary organisations.
CPM (Cerebral Palsy Midlands)
www.cpmids.org.uk
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At Cerebral Palsy Midlands they primarily provide a day care service for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, however this is not the only service they provide. They also teach vital life skills to stay healthy and safe, including things like cooking, personal hygiene, reading and writing skills, music, arts and crafts and much more. For some of these skills they have groups that meet between two and three times a week. These are: CPM connection, Access for all, Pathfinders, URconnectAble, Being Heard, and VeraNic art.
Sibs
www.sibs.org.uk
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Sibs is for people who grow up with a brother or sister with special needs, disability, chronic illness. There is also an online support service specifically for brothers and sisters under 18 of disabled children and young people called Young Sibs www.youngsibs.org.uk
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Charity Choice
Charity Choice is a comprehensive directory of the groups campaigning for, supporting or assisting trans and gender non-conforming individuals, including those who are non-binary and nongender, as well as their families across the UK
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Stonewall
Stonewall stands for the LGBTQIA+ community that provide workshops and fundraising, support for youths to better peoples understanding of issues faced by individuals.
Contact Number – 0207 5931850
Wings - Wombourne Special Needs Support Group
https://www.facebook.com/wingssensupport/
Wings run a wide variety of evening, weekend and holiday playscheme activities for children. These provide them with a social group and a sense of belonging, as well as stimulus in drama, music, art and physical exercise. We also run regular trips and outings to all sorts of exciting places. Parent support groups.
Families benefit from the respite from a caring role as WINGS provides trained and volunteer staff for these sessions: most of the children require 1:1 supervision.
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YMCA
YMCA has been serving the Black Country since 1888. A local charity, that’s part of the largest youth organisation in the world. We support people to grow and develop in Mind Body & Spirit. Our places are found in the heart of communities, working with children, young people and their families.
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Zebra Access
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Zebra Access is a Deaf-led charity dedicated to ensuring that all Deaf and Hard of Hearing people enjoy equal participation and access without communication barriers. They provide Deaf role models, enabling Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to have self belief and confidence to achieve their aspirations by breaking down barriers. As well as services to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals along with a variety of events, clubs and activities. Zebra Access also delivers Deaf Awareness and BSL training to organisations and individuals who work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities and individuals.
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Dyspraxia UK
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Dyspraxia UK offers expert advice, assessments and strategies to children, young people and adults with dyspraxia throughout the UK.
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HemiHelp
www.contact.org.uk/help-for-families/hemihelp
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HemiHelp provide lots of information about hemiplegia on their webpages and in their HemiHelp magazine which is packed with inspirational and informative stories by and for people living with hemiplegia. They also offer a range of online and real-life events and training workshops that allow families to connect with others living with hemiplegia. Their myhemicheck.hemihelp.org.uk creates a free printable overview of how an individual’s hemiplegia affects their daily life which is great to give to teachers or employers.
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Epilepsy Action and Young Epilepsy
Epilepsy Action offers advice and information from diagnosis to treatment, from driving to skydiving and everything you need to know about living with epilepsy. As well as online support groups which are a great way of connecting with others, who have experiences of epilepsy, in a safe and relaxed environment. Is the only UK charity dedicated to creating better lives for children and young people with epilepsy and related conditions.
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They provide world class diagnosis, assessment and rehabilitation for children and young people with epilepsy and undertake research into the condition and how it can be treated. Their unique blend of specialist services includes a school, college and residential services providing education and healthcare for children and young people with epilepsy, autism and other neurological conditions.
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And also provide a range of support and information for parents, children and young people and training for professionals. It campaigns for better access to, and quality of, health and education services, and to raise awareness and increase understanding of epilepsy.
Guide Dogs
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Guide Dogs provides a wide range of services for children and young people, including mobility and life skills, large print books and grants for specialist technology. And are there for the whole family, providing support and advice on a range of issues, including education.
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Custom Eyes Books - Large print children’s books
www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/help-for-children-and-families/livingindependently/customeyes-books
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Guide Dogs don’t believe a vision impairment should stop you, or your child, from knowing the joy of reading. That’s why their CustomEyes Books in large print give children the chance to read a real book, just like everybody else. From Dr Seuss to Shakespeare, from inspirational fiction to educational textbooks, they have over 4,200 large print books available, and each one is custom made, with font size, spacing, colour and more all tailored to your child’s individual needs.
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RNIB – the Royal National Institute of Blind People
www.rnib.org.uk
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The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), is one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people. They recognise everyone’s unique experience of sight loss and offer help and support for blind and partially sighted people – this can be anything from practical and emotional support, campaigning for change, reading services and the products they offer in their online shop.
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Inspiring people with sight loss to transform their own personal experience, their community and, ultimately, society as a whole. Their focus is on giving them the help, support and tools they need to realise their aspirations.
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Young Minds
www.youngminds.org.uk
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. Young Minds provide young people with tools to look after their mental health. They empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. And give young people the space and confidence to get their voices heard and change the world we live in. They will provide young people with reassurance and advice to help them make positive choices for their mental health and know what to do next if they are struggling. Make sure young people have adults around them who can really help, and build a youth-led movement to make sure support is there for anyone who needs it.
Down’s Syndrome Association
Children and adults with Down’s syndrome are all unique individuals with their own personalities, family backgrounds and preferences that make them who they are.
At Down’s Syndrome Association you will find answers to questions that they are often asked about Down’s syndrome. This information will help you to separate the facts from some common misconceptions. If you do not find what you are looking for ring their helpline 0333 1212 300 and speak to one of our specialist advisors.
The Down’s Syndrome Association Helpline offers information, support and advice to people with Down’s syndrome, their families and the people that support them. The helpline is open 10am to 4pm Monday – Friday (closed Bank holidays) or you can email info@downssyndrome.org.uk
The organisation is divided into various teams, including: Training & Information, who delivers helpline support services; provide information about all aspects of living with Down’s syndrome including specialist advisers on benefits, education, health and social care; advise new parents or anyone with questions; promote and facilitate information exchange between members through various groups; provide support on their Facebook groups; develop and deliver training throughout the UK for members, professionals and carers. And also run their Having A Voice project, giving people who have Down’s syndrome a platform to have their say and be heard.
WorkFit is the organisation’s employment programme which brings together employers and jobseekers who have Down’s syndrome. It is a tailored service dedicated to training employers about the learning profile of people who have Down’s syndrome so that they can be supported in the workplace. They focus on finding the right employment opportunities for people who have Down’s syndrome and ensuring that they have the support they need to be successful in the workplace. And DSActive, providing as many opportunities as possible for people who have Down’s syndrome to lead active and healthy lives.
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ICAN
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Communication is the most fundamental life skill for children and young people. Their ability to learn and to develop friendships depends upon it, but many face an uphill struggle. A lack of knowledge and resources means that too many children and young people with speech, language and communication needs don’t receive enough appropriate support. This affects their educational outcomes, their employability and their health and wellbeing.
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I CAN want a world where all children have the communication skills, they need to fulfil their potential, and are working towards this vision by offering practical help for parents who are concerned about their child, running outreach programmes in the community, empowering early years and school professional through training, support and information and developing intervention programmes for nurseries and schools across the UK.
CLAPA – the Cleft Lip and Palate Association www.clapa.com
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The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is a small charity working to improve the lives of people born with a cleft and their families in the UK. They reach out to families from the moment of diagnosis and help them through any difficulties they have before and after the birth of their child by providing a specialist feeding service as well as targeted information and a national network of trained volunteers providing one-to-one emotional support and local events and meet ups.
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Scope
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Scope provide practical advice and emotional support whenever people need them most. They do this through their helpline, their online community, a range of employment and child sleep services, community engagement programmes, and more.
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Scope’s helpline provides free, independent and impartial advice and support on issues that matter to disabled people and their families.
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Phone: 0808 800 3333; Textphone: dial 18001 then 0808 800 3333, calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles, or Email: helpline@scope.org.uk
They are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm. And most bank holidays.
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NSPCC
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Helplines:
Help for adults concerned about a child call 0808 800 5000
Help for children and young people call Childline 0800 1111
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Let Us play
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Let Us Play support children with special needs between the ages of 5-19. They have a huge range of activities that are adaptable to the individual needs of the children present. Offering 4-hour Saturday sessions on average 3 times a month, usually with lunch provided. They offer after school cycling sessions on Monday evenings during term time and extra sessions during the school holidays. Where possible they encourage adults with disabilities to volunteer to support them in their work with children. Let Us Play also run fortnightly a parent group where parents meet for crafts, walks, meals and a time to refresh their batteries.
Include Me TOO
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Include Me TOO (IM2) is a United Kingdom based charity supporting disabled children, young people and their families from diverse range of backgrounds, participation, equality, inclusion, rights and aspirations nationally and internationally. They work with families, supporting parents and carers to become Champions; support Disabled Children, Young People and their Siblings to become Ambassadors and Role Models and supporting Communities to become more involved and inclusive. Working at grassroots Include Me TOO provide a range of support including peer support, befriending services, activities and holiday clubs for disabled children, outreach and information and advice to families.
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Give us a Break
https://www.facebook.com/guabwolves
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Give Us A Break is a charity run by volunteers in the Wolverhampton area providing activities during school holidays for children and young people with severe and complex learning difficulties and physical impairments. It was established to allow children with special needs to have access to activities that are appropriate to their needs and interests. The criteria for eligibility is that the child would find it difficult or impossible to access mainstream activities. Children and young people can attend activities with their brothers and sisters and other members of their family knowing that other families will understand and support them.
There is no membership fee but they do ask for a donation for most activities so they can continue running them. The age range for the children and young people is flexible between 2 and 25 years although some activities may have age limitations. Parents and/or carers are required to attend with their children to share in the fun and provide adequate supervision.
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REFLEXIONS
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Reflexions is a Mental Health Support Team (MHST), we are a service that helps increase access to mental health support for children and young people in schools.
Email bchft.reflexions@nhs.net or call 01902 444021
BIG TOP MUSICAL
Home | Big Top Musical Adventures
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Big Top deliver thematic music workshops for schools, settings and families with additional needs. They always work in multi-sensory environments, making use of all senses to maximise engagement with participants. They use a variety of live and recorded music and instruments allowing us to explore as many sounds as possible.
Alongside working with schools and colleges they also deliver weekly and monthly sessions in the community.
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ACCESS CARDS
Access Card: Making access easy
Get access requirements recognised at thousands of attractions across the UK. Designed to streamline the process of communicating access needs, the Access Card translates A disability or impairment into easy-to-understand symbols. In addition to translating your needs into symbols, the Access Card serves as a recognised proof of requirements, eliminating the need for repeated explanations at different venues. This recognition is crucial in building a more inclusive environment, as it encourages venues and service providers to be proactive in their accessibility efforts..
Cineworld Wolverhampton – Autism-friendly screenings
https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/wolverhampton/8095#/buy-tickets-by-cinema?incinema=8095&at=2020-09-29&view-mode=list
Available on the first Sunday of every month at 11am, where the lighting is kept on during the screening, the volume is reduced, there are no adverts or trailers and you can take your own food in.
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The CEA Card
www.ceacard.co.uk
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The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA). The Card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema. The Card is also one way for cinemas to make sure they look after their disabled guests. If you require an adjustment to visit a cinema because of your disability, cinema staff should make them for you whether you have a CEA Card or not.
To apply, the person requiring assistance must be 8 years of age or older and be in receipt of one of the following:
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Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
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Attendance Allowance (AA)
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) Or hold:
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Severely Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Registered Blind)
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Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Partially Sighted)
There is a small free for each CEA Card issued.
Central Youth Theatre
www.facebook.com/centralyouththeatre
The Central Youth Theatre deliver weekly drama sessions for young people with disabilities (known as Acting Up), and support them to stage productions & short films
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Charlottes Tandems
www.charlottestandems.weebly.com
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Charlottes Tandems lend, at no cost (i.e., for free), tandems and tag-alongs to (and only to) people with disabilities or additional needs, who are unable to ride a bike safely on their own, so that they can enjoy the wonders of cycling.
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Gazebo Theatre
https://www.facebook.com/Gazebotheatre
Gazebo Theatre Company has been providing Theatre, Theatre in Education, out of school activities, mentoring, employment, training, Community Arts for more than 40 years.
Contact on 01902 296199 or email info@gazebotheatre.com
Huggle Pets in the Community
www.hugglepetsinthecommunity.co.uk
Huggle Pets in the Community is a non-for-profit organisation, they offer a range of activities and therapy sessions, incorporating animals. These include Animal Assisted Therapy, Educational Workshops (Animal Welfare and the Environment) and coffee mornings with their animals. Through their animal therapy focused work, Huggle Pets in the Community support and work alongside individuals and groups to improve mental health, combat loneliness, challenge behavioural issues and promote psychological well-being.
They also run events provided sensory activities and animal therapies.
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Sassy Sensory Surprises
Sassy believe that sensory play is beneficial to all children regardless of their ability. It helps to build language skills, improve fine and gross motor skills and promote social interaction. They have developed lots of different sensory elements and sessions for the children including sensory messy play sessions, sensory circuits, soft play sensory sessions, sensory discos, sensory swimming sessions and much more! Environments are accessible for the children with specialized sensory equipment and lighting and a calming area or room where the children can go to if they need to regulate or seek some calm if being overwhelmed children
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THE GRAND THEATRE – ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES
Access & Inclusion | Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Free Touch Tours are offered with most Audio Described Performances. These usually take place an hour before the performance begins and provide visually impaired customers with the opportunity to interact with pieces of set, props and costume with the describer. All touch tour spaces must be booked in advance via the Box Office.
Customers can join an Access Register Scheme to easily join Accessible performances and apply for Carers Tickets and concessions.
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The Way Youth Zone
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A youth-led, state of the art space for young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with a disability) located centrally in the city of Wolverhampton. Open 7 days a week, providing a huge variety of activities. The Way is inclusive and encourage people of all abilities to visit. Though they don’t offer one-to-one support on sessions, If your child needs the support of a carer they can come in with them too (they’ll need to provide reception with an up-to-date DBS check).
Send Sessions are run on a Saturday from 10:00 – 12:30 and General Family Sessions are run from 1:00 – 4:00
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Wildside Activity Centre
www.wildsideac.co.uk/additional-needs/
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Wildside make sure that people with additional needs can have access to nature and the outdoors. They work with people who have physical disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health issues and long-term health needs. In a green environment, people can experience a closeness to nature and often learn more easily, the peace and quiet usually lessen stress and sensory overload. Dependent on the specific situation, users with additional needs can usually experience: boat trips, natural crafts, canoeing, den building, fire lighting, minibeast hunts, Forest School and other environmental activities as well as bird watching and bird box making.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation
https://foundation.wolves.co.uk/what-we-do/community-cohesion/disability/
It is one of the charity’s key aims to ensure all of its activities are accessible to as many people as possible. The Inclusion & Cohesion staff lead in this area along with the Equality, Diversion & Inclusion team to ensure delivery is inclusive to all abilities. Their staff are passionate about inclusion and cohesion and training is provided regularly in these areas. Ensuring there is inclusive delivery extends across the rest of the Foundation including initiatives such as Premier League Inspires and Head for Health. Wolves Disability FC is Wolves’ pan disability team which has developed extensively in recent year. The Foundation also supports and encourages grass roots disability teams which forms the start of a pathway which can lead to Wolves and then, for particularly talented players, progress via the FA pathway to the England disability set-up.
Contact: gavinjones@wolves.co.uk
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The Albrighton Trust, Moat and Gardens
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The Albrighton Trust, Moat and Gardens offers educational and recreational activities for people disadvantaged by disability, special needs or illness, who are welcomed and supported whatever their capability. They have a proven track record of supporting the most hard to reach in society, providing positive outdoor activities and offering opportunities to enhance or change lives.
All activities are either inspired by or involve the outdoor environment. Their first-class facilities are specifically designed to ensure everyone, regardless of disability or capability can experience the joy and satisfaction of engaging in positive, outdoor activity including angling, gardening, woodcraft, culture and creativity.
Kingswood Trust
https://discover-kingswood.org.uk/
The Kingswood Trust focus on learning with nature with children of all ages, their parents and carers and those who support them can learn together. Enjoying the benefits of hands-on learning in the fresh air. Their outdoor education activities enable learning about and through the environment and create lasting, happy memories.
Nineveh Ridge Care Farm
www.ninevehridgecarefarm.org.uk
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Nr. Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster, Worcs. DY14 9AL
Nineveh Ridge provides a safe, welcoming environment where service users can develop a wider personal, social and emotional awareness. They create a structured day, developed specially for the needs of each individual person, which enables them to learn and make progress in a safe non-judgmental environment, where they can feel respected and valued for their part in the project however large or small, regardless of their race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age or ability. Activities include animal care, a day on the farm (farm animals and small animal house), pony work, gardening and horticulture, craft & woodwork, and music.
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Perkisound
www.perkisound.org
Perkisound is a unique, innovative and musically inspired recreation centre for people with additional needs, their families, friends and carers, based in the grounds of a 2.5-acre former garden centre in North Warwickshire. Perkisound provides a safe place to play, learn, enjoy and develop through music and recreation which they believe can promote general health and wellbeing. The musically inspired centre is a space where people can express themselves freely and with confidence.
Sedgley Adventure Centre
https://sedgleyadventurecentre.co.uk
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The centre has lots of different animals for you to meet including goats, lambs, hens, Guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks, alpacas and a miniature horse called Fudge. The centre also includes an 18-hole mini golf. Entrance to the farm is charged.
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SNAP (Special Needs Adventure Playground) - Cannock
www.cannocksnap.com
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SNAP Cannock aims to provide or assist in the provision of an adventure playground for people who have special needs and who are resident in the Midlands and beyond, with the object of improving their conditions of life. There is no age restriction and the playground is open to anyone who feels that it will be of benefit to them.
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Spacehoppas
www.spacehoppas.co.uk
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Offer SEND sessions and ensure the soft play area is accessible to as many children as possible irrespective of their abilities.
For further information on sessions email enquiries@spacehoppas.co.uk
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Sycamore Adventure Playground
Inclusive Play session for children with disabilities - Unlock a world of fun at an Inclusive Play Session in Dudley! Tailored for children with disabilities, from the sensory delight of water play to the thrill of climbing, zooming on pedal go-karts, and expressing creativity through arts and crafts – every moment is designed for inclusivity and fun! Trained staff ensures a supportive environment, fostering friendship and smiles.
Worcester Snoezelen
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Worcester Snoezelen is a multi-sensory leisure therapy centre for people who have disabilities and additional needs. Snoezelen provides accessible and inclusive activities which promote relaxation, stimulation and socialising. The centre comprises of 4 multi-sensory rooms, hydrotherapy pool, soft play area, music and arts. Predominantly the people who access our services have learning disabilities however there is much on offer for anyone of any age including; people with additional needs, physical disabilities, dementia, families and siblings. Special Schools in Wolverhampton
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Special Schools
Broadmeadow Special School www.broadmeadowspecial.co.uk
Green Park School www.greenparkschool.co.uk
Penn Fields School www.pennfields.com
Penn Hall School www.pennhall.aatrust.co.uk
Tettenhall Wood School www.tettenhallwood.aatrust.co.uk
Westcroft School www.westcroftschool.co.uk
Aurora Cedars School www.theauroragroup.co.uk
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Mainstream Schools with Additionally Resourced Provision (Resource Bases)
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Castlecroft Primary School – with resource base for Visual Impairments
Palmers Cross Primary School – with resource base for Speech, Language and
Communication Needs
Springdale Primary School - with resource base for Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Warstones Primary School – with resource base for Hearing Impairments
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PRUs (Pupil Referral Centres)
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Evergreen Academy www.valleyparkpru.org.uk
Lawnswood Campus The Orchard Campus www.orchard.lawnswood.org.uk
Lawnswood Campus The Braybrook Centre www.braybrook.lawnswood.org.uk
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Post 16
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Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre www.wvtc.org.uk
Nova Training www.novatraining.co.uk
Rodbaston College www.southstaffs.ac.uk
City of Wolverhampton College www.wolvcoll.ac.uk